From the Fresno Bee "Tre'Von Willis May Seek Move With Fresno Bulldogs"

Willis may seek move with 'Dogs
Ex-Washington High star weighs transfer options

By Daniel Lyght / The Fresno Bee
06/12/07 04:18:56

Tre'Von Willis spoke with Fresno State basketball coaches Monday for the first time since leaving Memphis, and said the school is among his top transfer choices.

Willis, the Central Section's career leading scoring while at Washington High, spoke with Bulldogs coaches Steve Cleveland and Senque Carey on Monday and said there is a possibility he would meet with Cleveland next week. He still is interested in other schools, and said he will visit UNLV this week.

As for the Bulldogs, Willis said: "I think I'd fit in good at Fresno State. ... They have a nice offense I'd like to be in."

Two other positives for the Bulldogs, Willis said, were that Fresno is his hometown and his half-brother, Dwight O'Neil, is on the team.

Willis is transferring from Memphis after one season and received his release from the school Thursday. He averaged 2.6 points and 6.1 minutes per game for the Tigers. In his final year at Washington he averaged 23.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists.

If he does join Fresno State, he'd take the final available scholarship. The Bulldogs lost three seniors this season -- Ja'Vance Coleman, Quinton Hosley and Renato Cesar -- and signed prep-school players Brandon Webster and Nedeljko Golubovic, and Arizona State transfer Sylvester Seay in May. USC transfer Kevin Galloway was dismissed from the team because of academics, leaving a scholarship open after junior Dominic McGuire signed with an agent in preparation for the NBA draft.

With Bulldogs point guard Kevin Bell's eligibility ending after this season, Willis could fill that slot.

Though Willis said he's unsure of his future destination, one thing was certain: He wouldn't rush the decision.

"It could be soon, it could be next month," he said of his decision. "I'm going to do what's best for me.

"I'm looking for a place to run, be a big part of the offense."

The reporter can be reached at (559) 441-6400 or dlyght@fresnobee.com.